680. Shift 10 — Merge to Multiply: Scaling Impact Through Collaboration - Ananya Poddar

Today’s episode continues our 12-part series: 12 Shifts in 2026 for Social Impact. Over twelve episodes, we’re unpacking the mindset + strategy shifts shaping the future of fundraising, leadership, and doing good in 2026. Explore the series at weareforgood.com/12shifts

Shift 9 / Merge to Multiply

In today’s episode, Jon and Becky explore why collaboration is becoming a defining strategy for nonprofits seeking to protect mission and scale impact — and why the funding side of mergers and partnerships doesn’t get nearly enough airtime.

They’re joined by Ananya Poddar, Senior Associate at SeaChange Capital Partners, to unpack what it really takes to resource nonprofit collaboration — from shared infrastructure and strategic alliances to program transfers and full-scale mergers.

Ananya shares insights from the SeaChange–Lodestar Fund for Nonprofit Collaboration, including why neutral third-party support is often the missing ingredient, how leaders can build trust with funders and partner organizations, and what becomes possible when collaboration is treated as a fundable priority.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Nonprofit Collaboration (01:52)
• SeaChange-Lodestar Fund for Nonprofit Collaboration (5:40)
• Forms of Collaboration (07:00)
• Building Trust with Partners (10:50)
• Technical Assistance Funding (15:18)
• Case Study: She's the First & Girl Rising Merger (16:23)
• Cost Savings Example: Detroit Human Services Merger (20:10)
• Case Study: Philly Food Rescue Program Transfer (21:22)
• Motivations for Partnerships (23:57)
• One Good Thing / Homework: Make yourself familiar with what opportunities exist. (29:00)

Dive Deeper:

She’s The First

Girl Rising

Episode 653: Nonprofit Mergers Aren’t a Last Resort—They’re a Strategic First Choice, She's The First and Girl Rising: Listen on Apple / Spotify

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/680

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